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Civil Rights Freedom Riders Marker: A Testament to Courage

Honoring the brave Freedom Riders who challenged segregation in 1961, marking a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement.

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This historical marker in Birmingham commemorates the brave Freedom Riders who challenged segregation on interstate buses in 1961. It stands as a reminder of the violence they faced and their pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement.

A brief summary to Civil Rights Freedom Riders Marker

  • 19th Street North &, 4th Ave N, Birmingham, Central City, AL, US

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours for better visibility and safety.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and Kelly Ingram Park for a comprehensive understanding of the Civil Rights Movement.
  • Take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by the Freedom Riders and their impact on American history.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Civil Rights Freedom Riders Marker is located in downtown Birmingham at the intersection of 19th Street North and 4th Avenue North. If you are near the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute or Kelly Ingram Park, it is easily accessible by foot, approximately a 5-10 minute walk. Head north on 6th Avenue North, then turn right onto 4th Avenue North. The marker will be on your left at the intersection with 19th Street North.

  • Public Transport

    MAX Transit, Birmingham's public transportation system, has several bus routes that stop near the Civil Rights Freedom Riders Marker. Check the MAX Transit website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. From the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) Central Station, you can take a bus to a stop near 19th Street North and 4th Avenue North. A one-way fare is $1.50. Exact change is required when paying on board.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Birmingham. A short ride from popular downtown locations such as the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute or the BJCC to the Civil Rights Freedom Riders Marker will typically cost between $8 and $15, depending on traffic and demand.

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Discover more about Civil Rights Freedom Riders Marker

The Civil Rights Freedom Riders Marker stands at the intersection of 19th Street North and 4th Avenue North in Birmingham, Alabama, marking a significant location in the history of the Civil Rights Movement. On Mother's Day, May 14, 1961, a group of black and white CORE (Congress of Racial Equality) youth arrived at the Birmingham Greyhound terminal as part of a "Freedom Ride" from Washington, D.C., to New Orleans. Their mission was to challenge segregation in bus terminals, which was deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court case Boynton vs. Virginia. Upon arrival, the Freedom Riders were met by a mob of Klansmen and were brutally attacked while local police stood by. Despite the violence and certainty of more to come, the Freedom Riders continued their journey, demonstrating extraordinary courage and commitment to their cause. The marker, erected in 1995 by the Alabama Historical Commission, Greyhound, and Kenneth Mullinax Jr., serves as a tribute to their bravery and a reminder of the sacrifices made during the fight for equality. The marker is near other historical landmarks, including the Trailways Bus Station, and is a part of Birmingham's rich civil rights history. Today, visitors can reflect on the events that transpired here and learn about the impact of the Freedom Riders on the Civil Rights Movement.

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